Overview
The Government of the Republic of Zambia has developed the National Fire and Rescue Services Policy (NFRSP) to create fire-safe communities where fire management and rescue services are efficient, effective, and participatory. This is the first comprehensive policy framework dedicated to guiding fire and rescue management at both national and sub-national levels.
Background and Rationale
For decades, Zambia lacked a dedicated fire and rescue policy, resulting in fragmented interventions and under-resourced brigades. Rising urbanisation, increased economic activity, forest fires, climate change, and growing road traffic accidents have amplified fire risks. At the same time, most councils struggle with inadequate infrastructure, outdated equipment, limited manpower, and weak enforcement of fire regulations. The policy addresses these gaps while aligning with Zambia’s Vision 2030, the Seventh National Development Plan (7NDP), and global commitments like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Key Challenges Identified
- Urbanisation & Informal Settlements: Rapid city growth without adequate fire safety standards.
- Weak Institutional Frameworks: Poor coordination among councils, ministries, and utilities.
- Limited Capacity: Fire brigades under-resourced, understaffed, and often housed in makeshift stations.
- Low Public Preparedness: Lack of community fire awareness, drills, and volunteer frameworks.
- Climate Change & Forest Fires: Rural communities face heightened risks from shifting fire regimes.
- Inadequate Legal Enforcement: Current laws lack punitive powers for non-compliance with safety regulations.
- Gender & Inclusion Gaps: Women and persons with disabilities remain underrepresented in fire services.
Vision
“Fire-safe communities; where fire management and rescue services provision is efficient, effective and participatory.”
Guiding Principles
The policy is anchored on accountability, transparency, equity, decentralisation, inclusivity, voluntarism, sustainability, responsiveness, and partnership with communities and the private sector.
Strategic Objectives
- Provide timely, coordinated, and prevention-focused fire and rescue services.
- Equip and resource fire brigades with modern tools and infrastructure.
- Establish frameworks for forest, wildlife, agriculture, and rural fire management coordination.
- Strengthen and realign institutions to ensure effective preparedness nationwide.
- Create a robust legal framework to enforce compliance and improve accountability.
Key Measures
- Establish Community Fire Brigades (CFBs) and promote volunteer firefighting.
- Introduce emergency preparedness plans and an incident command system.
- Modernise fire stations with standardised equipment, PPE, and rapid-response technologies (e.g., thermal cameras, drones).
- Integrate fire safety into schools, tertiary institutions, and public awareness campaigns.
- Coordinate with water utilities, RTSA, police, and health services for faster emergency response.
- Strengthen forest and rural fire management with GIS technology, joint inspections, and multi-sectoral partnerships.
Institutional and Legal Framework
The policy calls for:
- Establishing a Fire and Rescue Services Council to regulate and oversee fire services nationwide.
- Reviewing and harmonising outdated laws like the Local Government Act, Forest Act, and Public Health Act.
- Introducing a Fire Act to grant fire authorities stronger enforcement powers and formalise private sector participation.
Cross-Cutting Issues
- Gender: Promote women’s participation in firefighting and provide gender-friendly facilities.
- Disability: Ensure evacuation and safety procedures are inclusive.
- Environment: Integrate fire management into climate change mitigation strategies.
- Technology: Adopt modern firefighting equipment and digitise fire data management.
Implementation
The Ministry of Local Government will lead implementation, working with district councils, the private sector, utilities, and communities. A monitoring and evaluation framework will track progress, while resource mobilisation will be pursued through government funding, partnerships, and innovative financing mechanisms.
